MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — U.S. Marine Corps from the 2 Battalion of Echo Company, 1st Marine Regiment, and 1st Marine Division along with their Filipino counterpart from the 1st Marine Brigade headed by Brigadier General Eric Macaambac conducted the close-quarter battle (CQB) operation as part of Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2024 on Thursday, April 11, 2024, held at Camp Abubakar, the former main lair of Moro rebels in the province of Maguindanao Del Norte.

Macaambac said around 40 U.S. Marines from the 2 Battalion of Echo Company, 1st Marine Regiment, and 1st Marine Division and 350 Filipino Marines, Policemen, Navy, and Marines reservists participated in the live-fire exercise that aimed to hone the skills of participating troops to enhance mutual defense capabilities.

“We aim to enhance a wide range of military operations,” Macaambac said.

Troops also will train until April 19 on maritime security operations, amphibious assault operations, counterterrorism, and special operations to include air and surface force insertion.

On Friday night, selected troops, equipped with night vision goggles, conducted a simulated night jungle operation.

“We are optimistic about enhancing our capacity to collaborate effectively and efficiently in addressing diverse crises,” said Marine Colonel Zaldy Dioneda, deputy brigade commander.

The drills covered the two countries’ 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) that called for both countries to aid each other in times of aggression by an external power.

In previous pronouncements, the Pentagon said it was prepared to assist Manila if it invoked the treaty amid threats from other nations.

Later this month, the US and the Philippines plan to conduct their annual Balikatan military exercises involving some 11,000 American and 5,000 Filipino troops in the South China Sea. Story and Photos by Mark Navales